Former lobbyist Tom Wheeler has been tapped by President Barack Obama to head the Federal Communications Commission, according to sources, who noted that the nomination may be announced this week. According to reports, Wheeler has a strong background within the telecommunications sector, but his personal blog suggests an openness to have the FCC play a strong role in the future of the industry. For example, his thoughts on a 2011 proposal for AT&T to acquire T-Mobile USA in 2011 for $39 billion included strong-headed concessions if the deal were to play out. The FCC has been headed the last four years by Julius Genachowski. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn would serve as interim chairman until Wheeler is confirmed by the Senate, say reports. If confirmed, Wheeler would be at the front of major changes for the industry, which include potential new legislation affecting Internet traffic and controversies stemming from cable companies’ practice of tying and bundling television channels for consumers.
Full Content: Wall Street Journal
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
Google and South Carolina Clash Over State Records Demand
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Telefonica Germany Teams Up with Amazon Web Services to Migrate 5G Customers
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Federal Judge Grants $7.4 Million Settlement in Pork Price-Fixing Case
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Wilson Sonsini Bolsters Antitrust and Competition Practice with Key Partner Returns
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
EU to Scrutinize Telecom Italia’s Network Sale to KKR
May 8, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI